Mission and History

Our Mission

The Baltimore City Foundation, Inc., is committed to enhancing the quality of life for the citizens of Baltimore City. The Foundation enables the Baltimore City government to raise philanthropic resources that promote many of its health and human services priorities. Additionally, the Foundation provides grants to nonprofit organizations that support youth and underprivileged Baltimore City residents. In conducting activities for the support or benefit of the City, and in receiving charitable contributions from private sources, the Foundation also promotes public/private collaboration for the benefit of the City and its residents.

The Baltimore City Foundation aims to facilitate the solicitation, receipt and disbursement of charitable resources to support approved activities of the government of the City of Baltimore. The Foundation is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, governed by a volunteer board of directors. The Mayor of Baltimore appoints up to 51% of the members of the Foundation board and the others are elected by the board itself. The President of the Foundation manages the day-to-day operations of the Foundation. The Foundation works in partnership with City agencies to leverage philanthropic resources that benefit the City of Baltimore.

History of the Foundation

The Baltimore City Foundation was established in 1981 by ex-mayor William Donald Schaeffer. The original purpose of the Foundation was to enable Baltimore City agencies to raise funds for special services, including philanthropic, health, and human service priorities. Today, the Foundation has retained its purpose of incorporation as well as expanded to provide periodic small grants to nonprofits in Baltimore City.